Seward's Folly
49th State Brewing Co.
- From:
- 49th State Brewing Co.
- Alaska, United States
- Style:
- Russian Imperial Stout
Ranked #341 - ABV:
- 11%
- Score:
- 89
Ranked #15,686 - Avg:
- 4.03 | pDev: 6.45%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 4
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 28, 2026
- Added:
- May 13, 2014
- Wants:
- 0
- Gots:
- 1
SCORE
89
Very Good
89
Very Good
A substantial stout for the greatest state.
When Secretary of State William Seward purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million in 1867, many ridiculed it. Calling it Seward's Folly for being too expensive. We brew Seward's Folly Russian Imperial Stout as an ode to that infamous deal that created our great State of Alaska. Seward's Folly is rich and full-bodied. Brimming with intense notes of dark chocolate, coffee and dried fi
When Secretary of State William Seward purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million in 1867, many ridiculed it. Calling it Seward's Folly for being too expensive. We brew Seward's Folly Russian Imperial Stout as an ode to that infamous deal that created our great State of Alaska. Seward's Folly is rich and full-bodied. Brimming with intense notes of dark chocolate, coffee and dried fi
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by slaintemhor from Oregon
4.02/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4.02/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Sample at the GACBBW Fest in Anchorage today. This was a rum barrel version. Colour was onyx with no head at all. Nose...dark fruits and rum soaked oak staves with notes of dark chocolate. Palate was very busy! A whole lot going on and hard to pinpoint flavours except for burnt coconut, cherry boiled sweets and charred dates. Quite cloying! This was also very boozy and had very, very long warming finish.
Jan 31, 2026
Reviewed by BillRoth from Maryland
4.25/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Had on tap at 49th State airport food court.
Very good classic RIS with a bit extra smooth and a bit less RIS harshness/roastiness. It’s really a tasty Imp Stout that aims toward RIS but isn’t a heavyweight. Agree with description…noted semi/ sweet baker’s dark chocolate, hints of espresso and dark fruit. really liked it. At over 11% ABV it was sessionable in body and flavor. Went down easy; little abv noted, grew nicely in flavor as it warmed. Thumbs up.
Jun 12, 2024Very good classic RIS with a bit extra smooth and a bit less RIS harshness/roastiness. It’s really a tasty Imp Stout that aims toward RIS but isn’t a heavyweight. Agree with description…noted semi/ sweet baker’s dark chocolate, hints of espresso and dark fruit. really liked it. At over 11% ABV it was sessionable in body and flavor. Went down easy; little abv noted, grew nicely in flavor as it warmed. Thumbs up.
Reviewed by Radome from Florida
4.19/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.19/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Tasted on tap at the Anchorage brewpub.
L - Incredibly dark brown and no light gets through. Rich, creamy brown head.
S - Malty aromas of stone fruit, prunes, and raisins. Light fruitiness from yeast, along with low chocolate. Not much of the expected roasted or burnt aromas.
T - Some Nescafe instant coffee flavors but not harsh or bitter. Lots of dried fruit, molasses and a bit of cinnamon spiciness give a sweet impression. Rum-like alcohol flavor.
F - Heavy body with a silky feel. Moderate, creamy carbonation. Moderate apparent hops bitterness is probably actually quite high, but is overpowered by the sweet notes.
O - This is an enjoyable beer for me, but some may find it too sweet. I think a bit more roastiness and hops bitterness would improve it to world-class level.
Jul 23, 2023L - Incredibly dark brown and no light gets through. Rich, creamy brown head.
S - Malty aromas of stone fruit, prunes, and raisins. Light fruitiness from yeast, along with low chocolate. Not much of the expected roasted or burnt aromas.
T - Some Nescafe instant coffee flavors but not harsh or bitter. Lots of dried fruit, molasses and a bit of cinnamon spiciness give a sweet impression. Rum-like alcohol flavor.
F - Heavy body with a silky feel. Moderate, creamy carbonation. Moderate apparent hops bitterness is probably actually quite high, but is overpowered by the sweet notes.
O - This is an enjoyable beer for me, but some may find it too sweet. I think a bit more roastiness and hops bitterness would improve it to world-class level.
Reviewed by backblast from Alaska
3.74/5 rDev -7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
3.74/5 rDev -7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Poured black with a thick tan head.
Taste is roasted malt mixed with a bit of black licorice and mild bitterness. Has a creamy feel but unfortunately is a bit light on the flavors - like a light RIS.
Jan 19, 2022Taste is roasted malt mixed with a bit of black licorice and mild bitterness. Has a creamy feel but unfortunately is a bit light on the flavors - like a light RIS.
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